I'm a big fan of the Brookie Knee-highs cold water paddling. The ability to unload/load canoe on less than ideal rocky landings is a big plus in my book. I like them on the mud holes as well. I've gone over the top a few times and had some water penetrate, but that was mostly my fault for not having the top cinch strap secure.

In days that start cool but heat up, I roll the tops down like fireman's boots to deal with the heat. There fleece lined, I turn them inside out at night and air dry or hang near fire. I wear a thin wool liner sock for wicking/blisters most days, maybe a mid-weigh wool sock over them if water is really cold.

I also seam seal all exposed seams on socks, like I do on portage shoes.
I see they sell a ankle height neoprene sock for warm weather in the Piragis catalog. Has built in gator to keep crap out of shoe. Might worth a look?